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Darkness Rising | ||||||
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Category: Post-OotP, Alternate Universe Characters:Albus Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, Harry/Ginny, Hermione Granger, James Potter, Lily Potter, Luna Lovegood, Minerva McGonagall, Other Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Romance Warnings: Death, Disturbing Imagery, Intimate Sexual Situations, Mild Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Sexual Situations, Violence Rating: R Reviews: 245 Summary: ON HIATUS FOR NOW. Sequel to Innocence Lost. Read that one first. Harry's fifth year. More surprises are in store for Harry and company. Harry has to learn how to handle an evil teacher, an evil wizard who wants him dead. He finds the answers to why he and Ginny can practically feel the others' emotions. Oh, and Harry's parents are alive? He has a sister? Hitcount: Story Total: 108177; Chapter Total: 3292 Author's Notes: I can only apologize and say that this is close to being finished. Hope I still have readers out there. |
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Harry's group was met in the common room by McGonagall. Her stern countenance sucked away any lingering humor from breakfast. Without speaking a word, the Deputy Headmistress pointed back out the portrait hole. Her steely eyes surveyed the room and seeing the occupants were properly chastened, followed Harry and his friends out into the corridor. She led them into her office, placed a few privacy spells on the walls and door before turning back to face Harry. She studied the young man standing in front of her. He no longer was that confused, lonely and self-conscious little boy she'd first seen upon his arrival at school. Now, there was something about him, an aura of confidence, his chin held high as he waited for her to speak. Gone were the days she could make him back down with just a look. She shook her head and sighed. What am I going to do with him? He's too stubborn for his own good. Still, I have to admit that prank was priceless and I have no doubt that it was him, there's just no proof. And he may have just proven his point with that stunt in Defense class. “You are aware I have to take points for that little stunt in Defense class yesterday, aren't you?” “Yes, Professor,” Harry answered, not looking the least bit apologetic. McGonagall nodded. “Okay. Fifty points each from those of you who participated in that stunt for disrupting the class and not following the instructions set by your teacher.” “Fifty!” groaned Seamus. “Each?” asked Dean. “But that's...” Hermione started. “However,” Minerva continued, “I think you all deserve 40 points each for displaying such spectacular dueling skills. Your spellwork was quite remarkable from what I've heard.” Harry smiled. It only ended up being a loss of about 100 points for Gryffindor, instead of a loss of nearly every point they had. “Thanks, Professor.” “Don't thank me, Harry. You need to watch yourself. I'm not going to be able to take your side very often. Do NOT antagonize Tort.” She held up a hand to ward off what Harry was about to say. “I know it's going to be difficult but, trust me on this, things will be changing for the better rather soon.” Minerva's unwavering gaze momentarily confused Harry. Then it suddenly clicked what it was they were being told and he grinned again. He nodded his agreement to lay off the pranks for the near future. Figuring they had actually gotten off fairly lightly, the group hurried out of McGonagall's office and back toward the tower. “Can it really be about over?” Harry glanced over at Cherish and shrugged. “You know Mum and Dad have been working hard on their end gathering enough evidence to expose Fudge. Maybe they're getting really close.” “I hope so,” Ron said with such fervor that Harry raised an eyebrow at him. “What? I'm tired of watching you snog my sister all the time and not being able to do any of that myself. Why couldn't Dumbledore take the stupid spell off us, too?” “We didn't ask Dumbledore to do it, Ron,” Ginny remarked, exasperated. “But we needed him to, just the same. Neither of us would have lasted much longer under that stupid spell. We were already half crazy by the time the hols came.” “I remember,” Ron quietly said. “Still, would've been nice.” Defe nse class was worse than ever for Harry. Tort constantly attempted to bait him into speaking out. Harry knew better and watched, amused, as Tort became more and more frustrated at his lack of response. Harry idly wondered if she'd been taking lessons from Snape, she was getting so good. The few times she did manage to raise his ire, Harry instantly felt a calming tide from Ginny. HEDGE attendance had also grown. Seeing how woefully unprepared they were, many of the other students decided to change that. This, of course, left Harry in a quandary. The group was so large now there was no way he could teach them all at once but he really didn't want to have to turn anyone down, either. There was just no telling what could happen during any of the Hogsmeade visits or during the summer. In the end, he broke them into groups. He set some of the advanced members the task of helping get the newcomers up to speed. The other advanced students were taught more spells. Halfway through the meetings, the advanced students switched places. Several meetings were conducted in this way until all members were more or less even in skill. Then one morning it finally happened. Harry and friends were eating when the post owls came. A barn owl landed in front of Hermione with a copy of The Daily Prophet. Hermione paid the owl, gave it a piece of bacon and then opened the paper, gasping at the headline. Illegal Activities Exposed This paper has been notified Minister Fudge has been dismissed due to his participation in illegal activities. He's accused of accepting bribes from some of the more well-to-do wizarding families. He's also been accused of failing to prepare our society for what is now happening with You-Know-Who. It has also been noted that Fudge has attempted to take over Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by placing his own niece there as Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. This young woman, who has no teaching experience, has been accused of using a Dark Object in her detentions. As Fudge became more delusional, he ousted Albus Dumbledore from the Headmaster position and put in his niece who promptly began questioning the remaining instructors, threatening to fire them, and also placing spells on students. Rest assured, witches and wizards, there was plenty of evidence presented to support these claims. Kingsley Shacklebolt has been named as interim Minister. Hermione 's eyes flew to her friends. They all sat, wide eyed and stunned before grins broke out on their faces. Somewhere down the table they could hear comments being made. A whoop of joy sounded from another table. “So it's finally happened,” Ron said in joyous disbelief. “Looks like it,” Harry replied with a grin. “So who's taking over as Defense teacher then? I mean, surely Tort isn't going to be around anymore.” Harry glanced at Hermione. Leave it to her to be more interested in school than what was going on elsewhere. Before he could say anything, the Great Hall doors opened wide and Dumbledore strode in amongst some Aurors who promptly took Tort into custody and walked back out, the now previous Defense teacher ranting to them about the lack of discipline at the school and how they'd come to regret her leaving. Cheers, applause and excited shouts broke out as the reinstated Headmaster took his place at the Staff table. Students from each house, even a few young Slytherins, stood and showed their enthusiasm over the famous wizard's return. Dumbledore took his rightful place at the table and raised his arms for silence. After several minutes, he took out his wand and amplified his voice. “Please sit. I thank you for that wonderful welcome but there are some announcements to be made.” Finally, the students settled and Dumbledore removed the charm from his voice and smiled. “Yes, thank you, again, for that delightful welcome. I'm both humbled and pleased that my presence was so missed. Now, by now, most of you have heard we have a new Minister in office.” More whoops and hollers met this. “Yes, I heartily agree. So now I find myself, again, having to hire a new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Fear not, I have found someone whom I believe will do nicely.” Dumbledore raised his arm to the doors in welcome. Everyone turned to see who it was and a collective gasp filled the room. A man entered and walked slowly, somewhat self-consciously, towards the Staff Table. He wasn't overly tall, had messy black hair and wore round glasses. The man reached the table, shook hands with Dumbledore then took the seat previously vacated by Tort. The new professor found Harry and, grinning mischievously, gave him a wink. Everyone turned, as one, to Harry. Harry knew what they were thinking as he watched several glance back and forth between himself and his dad. After all, he'd been told often enough how much they resembled each other. The shock at seeing his dad up there slowly wore off and a huge smile spread across his face. He felt Ginny's hand squeeze his and he laughed. His father had just pranked his own son. Dumbledore held his hands up for attention. “Yes, by now you all are well aware of the Potters' return to our world. Mr. Potter had been working as an Auror and, through his investigation, helped to bring to light our previous Minister's deficiencies. He's graciously agreed to take over for Miss Tort which I do believe will make the remaining part of the year quite interesting, if not entertaining.” This last was said with a decided twinkle in his blue eyes. “Wicked!” Harry heard the Weasley twins whisper, devilish grins on their faces. “Oh my goodness, Harry!” Hermione exclaimed. “Your dad is our new teacher! You're going to be learning stuff from your dad!” “Gee, thanks for stating the obvious, Hermione,” Harry couldn't help but quip. “You know what this means?” Harry looked to his group of friends. Only Ginny seemed to have picked up on his thoughts. That didn't really surprise Harry in the least since she had a mischievous streak to rival the twins. “This means, we're going to have to watch out. Prongs loves his pranks.” “But he's a professor,” argued Hermione. “He wouldn't dare.” “Hermione,” Ginny spoke as if what she was saying should have obvious. “He already has. He didn't tell any of us that Fudge had been ousted nor did he say anything about taking over for Tort.” Hermione conceded the point but still didn't look overly convinced there was a need to be on the lookout for more pranks. “One last thing before you're off,” Dumbledore said. He waved his wand, casting a lengthy spell. “Now, all that proximity nonsense is over. Just remember, the other rules still apply.” After breakfast, Harry caught up to his father, Ginny in tow with the others trailing behind. “Okay, Dad, good one. Just know that I'm not taking that one lying down. Remember, I have the Weasley twins and Ginny on my side.” “Whatever do you mean?” James asked, a little too innocently. Harry rolled his eyes and gave his dad a slight shove. “We've got to get to class. See you later.” Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss before he, Hermione and Ron headed off to class. Ginny bid the senior Potter farewell before she took off. At the doors, she turned back and waited for the right moment. The instant he was distracted, she pulled her wand and, making sure no one noticed, sent a spell in his direction. Smirking, she disappeared. At lunch, Harry took one look at his father and nearly fell over he was laughing so hard. A giant pair of antlers had sprouted from the man's head, his ears had elongated with pointed tips and stood up straight. Harry also noticed that occasionally his father's nose glowed red. Catching his dad's eye, Harry grinned as if to say 'I warned you.' Harry sat beside Ginny, took in her smug smile and instantly knew she was the one responsible for his Dad's current appearance. “Nice one, Luv,” he said and gave her a quick yet sincere kiss. “Why thank you,” she said, grinning at her handiwork. Dumbledore chose that moment to stand and make an announcement. He raised his hands for silence and slowly the snickering and whispering ceased. “Yes, someone's,” he emphasized the word while staring in Harry and Ginny's direction his eyes twinkling, “charm work is rather impressive. However, I must state that I do not condone this action and points will be deducted if I ever learn who did this.” Many heads turned to the Gryffindor table seeking out the possible culprits. Dumbledore again held out a hand for silence as students were beginning to whisper to themselves who it might be. “I have some good news. For Valentine's Day, I've decided to hold a dance.” He paused as several masculine groans and feminine squeals filled the cavernous room. “Third years and above only. The younger years will have their own parties in their common rooms.” Harry immediately turned to Ginny and asked, “So, you up for another dance with me?” “I don't know, Harry,” Ginny said, pretending to think it over. “Last year's Yule Ball will be tough to beat.” “Hmmm. Yeah, you're right.” He sighed dramatically. “Well, I guess this means we find new partners then.” Ginny laughed as she was meant to. “Not on your life, Potter. You're mine.” “Always,” Harry agreed and kissed her, totally ignoring Ron's gagging noises. Inc reased Death Eater attacks kept everyone on edge. HEDGE meetings were more focused, more intense. Under James Potter's tutelage, the students learned more in Defense than ever before. They even learned some curses and hexes that weren't so well known. Nothing Dark, of course. In the privacy of their rooms, Harry and Ginny continued working on their Animagus forms and were close to making the full transformation so it came as no suprise to Harry when, on the way to class, he suddenly felt the nearly uncontrollable urge to change. It was all he could do to gasp to Ron and Hermione he needed to see McGonagall before taking off in a run towards her office. Not aware he had been followed, Harry finally reached the door he was looking for and began knocking. “Harry, what's going on?” asked Ron, huffing from the run up the stairs. “Nothing,” Harry replied, though it was obvious from his expression it was far from nothing. The door opened. Professor McGonagall took one look at Harry and ushered him inside, halting the progress of the other two in the process. “You can't come in. I'm sorry. There's nothing to worry about. Go on to class and explain you were with me.” “But--” Hermione started. “Go on, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley.” Closing the door on them, McGonagall turned to a pacing Harry. “Okay, Harry, now listen. You need to concentrate. It's very important that you calm down first.” “I can't. It's–It's--,” The professor nodded, understanding exactly what he was trying to say. “I know. It's not easy but it's imperative that you remain in control at all times. You can't let the animal's instincts take over.” Harry continued to pace, fighting for dominance over his inner self. No one had warned him it would be like this, this need to transform and run. It would be so easy to just let it loose, to dive completely into the animal, to let it take over. An uncontrolled change was very dangerous, though. Harry felt a pair of hands stop his pacing and turn him around. He looked up into the determined gaze of his Head of House. “Harry, slow your breathing. Breathe with me. That's the key to taking back some control.” Nodding in approval once Harry's breathing was more regulated, she continued. “Now, feeling better?” He nodded. “Okay, now close your eyes and remember how it felt to be in your Animagus form. The sights. The sounds. The tastes. The smells. Every little detail you can remember but also remember who you are, your name, your friends, your classes, Ginny.” The last made Harry's eyes pop open. Minerva chuckled. “I do believe keeping her in mind will help a great deal. I'm sure she's quite aware of things by now.” Indeed, she was. Harry could feel her worry and sent her some reassurance and love. That, more than anything else, calmed his mind. He opened his eyes again, unaware he'd even closed them, and jumped back, tripping over his own feet. His professor had suddenly become huge. A high pitched, staccato growl left his throat that surprised him even more. Seeing the smile on McGonagall's face made him realize what had happened. He'd done it! He'd made the complete change! He looked down and saw black paws. With the slightest of pressure, razor sharp claws fully appeared before retracting back slightly again. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw his compact body and long tail, which he swished a bit. He paced the confines of the office, getting a feel for how his muscles and bones moved together. “So, what do you think, Potter? Worth all the trouble?” Harry turned back to his professor, sat on his haunches and actually purred which made her laugh. “I'll take that as a yes. I have to admit, Mr. Potter, you make a very striking cheetah with all that black fur and those green eyes of yours.” She stepped a little closer and leaned slightly forward to study his face. “I don't believe I see any evidence of your scar. That's a bit surprising.” She let out a chuckle. “I see you still have the messy hair. There's bits of fur on the top of your head that go every which way. When you register, you'll need to include your coloration and eyes.” Harry gained all fours as the high pitched growl sounded again. “Oh, don't worry, Mr. Potter. I know you're not planning on registering right away. I'm just saying that when you do get around to it, that's what you'll need to include as your distinctive markings.” Minerva glanced at the clock and smiling, she said, “How about a bit of fun before classes are finished?” The professor walked to her office door and opened it revealing the very long corridor that led to her door. “How about a run?” The black cheetah took off like a shot, occasionally zigzagging, stopping and starting and turning sharply as if chasing unseen prey. He made a few laps but quickly grew tired and padded back, barely making a sound, to McGonagall's office. He padded to the middle of the room before flopping down to rest. “Take a few moments, Potter, then I want you to return to human form. For the rest of this hour, you'll be practicing making the switch.” Just before the hour was up, a knock sounded at the door. Harry had, a second prior, changed back into his cheetah form. He scented the air and found it very familiar. In his human mind, he grinned. This time, he purred in short, blunted sounds. He sat on his haunches and waited for the person on the other side. Minerva greeted the person and let her in. Ginny entered the office and gasped when she saw Harry. “Oh, Harry! You did it!” Ginny dropped her bookbag and rushed over. Grinning, she ran a hand over his sleek head and dug her fingers into the fur on his neck. She knelt in front of him to get a better look, all the while running her hands through his fur, feeling the vibration when he purred. “You're beautiful,” she whispered, staring into the eyes she'd always loved. The cat stepped back and transformed into Harry. Ginny launched herself into his arms. “How does it feel? How difficult was it? How--,” Harry laughed. “Hold on. One question at a time. It's amazing. It's weird but feels right, too. It's hard to explain. Yes, it was hard, mostly just remembering to stay in control, not letting the cheetah's instincts to take over.” “I can't wait until I can make the change.” “Since Mr. Potter has managed it,” interjected their professor, “I'm sure it won't be much longer for you. You'll know when the time comes. When it does, come to me immediately. If I'm unavailable, go to Harry. Now that he's been through the initial change, he knows what it's like.” “Knowing my luck,” Ginny muttered, “it'll happen during Potions class.” Then she brightened. “Well, it'd get me out of that class, at least.” Chuckling, the two bid their professor good-bye and headed off in the directions of their next classes. “Harry!” Hermione exclaimed upon seeing her best friend. “What happened? Why did you run off to McGonagall?” “I'm sorry, Hermione, Ron, but I can't tell you. Not yet. I will but it needs to remain a secret for a little while longer.” Hermione narrowed her eyes, studying the teen before her. “Fine,” she eventually said, sounding a bit put out. Harry sighed but there really wasn't anything he could do about it. She just couldn't know right now and she had to learn to accept that some things she wouldn't be told right away. He glanced at Ron and saw the redhead contemplating him before nodding in acceptance. McGonagall's prediction came to pass. However, so did Ginny's. Just as Ginny was sitting down and pulling out her Potions equipment the following day, she felt a clawing sensation inside. Her already sharpened senses became more so. Cramming everything back inside her bag, she bolted for the door, nearly running into Professor Snape in the process. “Sorry, Professor. I have to go.” “Detention, Ms. Weasley, for nearly running me down.” “Fine, whatever,” Ginny said and rushed off. She knew she didn't have much time to make it all the way to McGonagall's office. She felt Harry reach out to her through their connection and she automatically sent him some reassurance that she was fine. After running up countless stairs, she was finally outside her Head of House's office. A brisk knock later and her professor was ushering her quickly inside. “I'll tell you the same thing I told Mr. Potter,” the transfiguration professor said carefully. “Breathe. Deeply and slowly. Gain control. That is most important. Remember how it felt to be a cheetah but also remember who you are.” Ginny nodded, still regulating her breathing. Closing her eyes, she remembered the fluid grace in which her body moved. In her mind, she could see her unique coloring while at the same time seeing her family and friends, Harry. Thoughts of Harry had her purring. Literally. “Well done, Mrs. Potter,” an amused voice said. Ginny glanced up, way up, to see her professor grinning down at her. Excitement filled her as she realized she'd transformed. She gave a quick chirp and wandered the office, getting a feel for the animal. After a few moments, Ginny changed back, a huge smiled lighting her face. “That's so amazing, Professor! I could still hear every little sound. I could still smell things that I shouldn't be able to smell. I could even still see into the shadows as if they weren't there!” “Yes, being a cat does have its advantages, though I'm not surprised since you and Mr. Potter have exceptional senses now anyway. Now, I want you to practice making the switch for me. Don't rush it.” Once she'd practiced for nearly an hour, Professor McGonagall halted her. “Feeling up to an adventure in your new form?” Ginny studied her professor, taking note of the lifted brow, the twinkle of mischief in her eyes and the small grin itching to break out. “Always, Professor,” she said and quickly transformed once again. The unusual pair left the office, made their silent way down the stairs and out the front doors. More than once did the woman have to stop and wait for the pale colored cat to catch up, amusement written all over her face. A short walk had them drawing close to the Care of Magical Creatures class. Ginny quickly spotted who she was looking for and called to him with several high pitched chirps. Catching his attention, she ran straight for him. Students scattered, shrieking, but her eyes remained on Harry and the delight and pride she could feel emanating from him. Sliding to a halt in front of him, she greeted him in typical cheetah fashion, with the same blunted purr he'd greeted her with the day before. Squatting down, Harry ran his hands over her head and down her sleek back, totally ignoring everyone else, especially Hermione's word of caution. Her pale red spots contrasted with her light cream coloring. He grinned at the “freckles” she had on her nose. Looking into the very familiar honey brown eyes, he whispered two words. “You're beautiful.” In response, the cat nuzzled his neck, purring, taking in his scent, before running her sandpaper tongue up his cheek. “Oh, eww!” Harry said, wiping his face and standing. “Thanks a lot. Your tongue isn't exactly smooth, you know.” “Harry!” Hermione hissed from a good few feet away. “What are you doing? That's a wild creature! It could tear you apart!” “Don't worry, Hermione,” Harry replied with a smirk. “She won't hurt me.” He bent down and whispered, “Unless I ask her to.” The cat purred again, head-butted him, and began sniffing his legs, starting with his feet and steadily moving upward, sliding his school robe out of the way as it went. Her nose reached his lap and Harry quickly moved it. “Okay, okay,” he said embarrassed, though he could see the laughter in her eyes. “Professor,” asked Hermione, “where did the cheetah come from?” “Oh, I was in my office when it suddenly appeared,” came the reply. “I didn't know a cheetah could look like that,” commented Ron. “Me either,” replied a less than comforted Dudley. “It's quite rare,” came from behind them. Their Care of Magical Creatures professor dismissed the class as she walked over to the big cat. Some of the passing students gave the predator a wide berth. Draco and his goons, however, chose to walk right beside the cat with an air of bravado. As they did so, the cat growled and hissed, watching their every move. Neville hung back until he got waved over by Harry. “Cat's got good taste,” Ron laughed. At this, she sniffed her way up the back of Harry's legs, again sliding up under his school robe until... “Hey!” Harry suddenly spun, laughing. “Cut it out, will you?” “Then again,” Ron amended, laughing at his best friend, “maybe not. Harry, I think you've got another admirer. Ginny's got competition!” Ron and Dudley guffawed at that. Neville chuckled. Harry looked into the dancing eyes of the cat and whispered, “You are so going to get it later.” Her purr made him laugh. “What I can't figure out is what it's doing here,” Hermione said, drawing Harry's attention to her. “And why is it being so friendly?” McGonagall glanced around to make sure they were the only students left before gesturing Ron, Hermione, Neville, Dudley and the other professor closer. “Take a good look at her and tell me what you see.” Ron stared at the cheetah sitting so contentedly next to Harry. “Other than the fact she's not the normal colors?” Hermione gasped. “Her eyes! They're not the usual color for a cheetah. They're the same color as... No way.” “What?” “Ron, look! Whose eyes do they remind you of?” Ron looked, scrunching his forehead in thought. “Well, they kind of look like Ginny's.” “Exactly,” answered McGonagall, then turned to the cat. “Ginny, if you please.” Jaws dropped as the cheetah morphed into Ginny, a huge smile on her face. “No way!” Hermione exclaimed. “How did you...?” “Wicked!” came Ron's reaction. “How is that even possible?” asked a totally flabbergasted Dudley. Neville just looked in awe. “We've been working on it for a long time.” “We?” To answer Hermione's question, Harry quickly changed into his cheetah form. Ginny changed back and Harry chased her around the clearing the class had used for study, all the while emitting a stuttering purr. Eventually growing tired, the pair returned to their friends and transformed again, laughing at how much fun it had been. “Oh my, I haven't seen anyone so young master that skill,” said the other professor. “Harry and Ginny are very special,” replied Minerva, grinning at the pair's identical blushes. “Can we see your animals again?” asked Hermione eagerly. Shrugging, the two changed and walked over to the brunette who studied them thoroughly. “Ginny, your distinguishing marks are your eyes, obviously. Well, actually I guess you could say your whole appearance is your distinguishing mark.” “Ginny,” Ron said, snickering, “you have tiny freckles that run over your nose.” Ginny hissed at him, causing him to back up a step. Hermione smacked him and rolled her eyes. “Harry, you're amazing. All that black really sets off your eyes. Guess we all know your distinguishing marks too. Your scar is completely hidden though.” “Harry,” Ron snickered again, “you have a bit of fur sticking up in different directions on the top of your head. You still can't get away from the messy hair.” That remark earned him another hiss and a growl. “Alright, alright. I'm sorry,” Ron replied in a rush. As the two transformed back into their regular selves, Minerva cautioned, “This is not to be common knowledge. Understood?” “Of course, Professor,” Hermione agreed and Ron, Neville and Dudley nodded. “I'm not sure of your reasoning but I'll do as you ask.” Minerva turned to the current Care of Magical Creatures professor. “I wanted you to be aware of this in case one of them is injured in their cheetah form. I know some medical practices for animals can be harmful to humans.” “I didn't even think of that. If either of them come to me, injured, I'll send for Madame Pomfrey right away. Discreetly, of course.” “Thank you.” She turned to the students. “Now I believe it's time for you all to head to class. You may blame any tardiness on me.” “Yes, Professor,” each of the students answered and began walking back toward the castle. “Harry, can you teach Ron and I how to do that? Neville, too, if he wants?” “Maybe. I don't know. You'll want to discuss it with Professor McGonagall first.” “Wow, Harry,” Dudley said, still in awe. “That was brilliant. I can't believe all the stuff I've learned so far. Who knew so many ordinary things had magical properties! Not to mention the creatures. I'll never look at an owl the same way again. I'll always think twice when I see a cat or dog and wonder if it really is a magical pet. And all those mythical creatures are real? Dragons? Centaurs?” Harry smiled. “Glad you're enjoying the classes, Dudley. Hope the teachers aren't too horrible on you.” “Nah, not really. Just Potions.” The others nodded in sympathy. “Yeah, I know. Snape disliked me the instant he saw me.” “Why?” “Something to do with my dad, I think. And since I look so much like him...” “Yeah, you really do,” agreed Dudley. “It's totally weird when you're in the same room together.” By this time, they'd reached the castle. Harry gave Ginny a quick but thorough kiss before heading in the direction of the greenhouses. Ron, Hermione, and Neville already were on their way. Ginny and Dudley parted company as he headed down to the dungeons for class and Ginny went up to Defense class. M any nights Harry and Ginny snuck off under Harry's Invisibility Cloak to roam the halls in their Animagus forms. Occasionally they slipped outside but it was generally too cold. They found more than one secret passage previously unknown and explored until the wee hours of the morning. Then, as they grew tired, they slipped back into their dorm rooms, no one the wiser. On the next Hogsmeade weekend, the pair found themselves, along with the others in their group, at Gladrags looking for suitable attire for the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Neither Harry or Ginny found what they were looking for in the wizarding wear shop and wandered out hoping for a shop selling Muggle clothes. They found one across from Madame Puddifoot's sickeningly cute tea shop. The sign out front boasted the best place in town to get Muggle clothing of all types. Harry laughed at this. “Try the only place in town to get Muggle clothes.” “Well, shall we look, anyway?” Shrugging, Harry opened the door. The shop wasn't overly large but not so small to make the teens doubt the selection. After being greeted by the shopkeeper, the two wandered to the witch's section. Ginny had looked and tried on numerous dresses before she found one she liked. It was off the shoulder, had long fitted sleeves, somewhat fitted bodice and a floor length, full, flowing skirt. At the top, just above the bustline, the material folded downward about 2 inches. The sleeves had cuffs that folded upward 2 inches. Riding low on the hips was an attached belt about 3 inches wide with some kind of Celtic medallion in the middle. The dress was white with the barest hint of green but the “neckline”, cuffs and belt were a darker emerald green. “That looks good, Gin. Try it on.” Ginny glimpsed the price and put it back. “We'll find something else.” Harry pulled the dress back off the rack and held it up to her, trying to picture it on her. “I think it's perfect. Try it on.” “But Harry--,” she started to object but was interrupted. “No buts. Just go do it. For me?” Ginny sighed. Harry rarely asked for anything. She wasn't comfortable spending that much money on a dress but the look on his face convinced her to at least try it. Maybe it won't even fit. Disappearing into a dressing room, she put on the dress and immediately fell in love with it. She began playing with her hair, pulling it off her neck into different styles that she'd considered using for the Ball. “Well?” called Harry. “How does it look?” Ginny left the tiny room and watched Harry's eyes widen and his jaw slacken as he stared. Feeling his shock and then sudden flare of desire, she walked over to him and twirled slowly. “What do you think?” she asked with a smile. Harry shook himself and said with an answering smile, “What do you think I think? It's beautiful, of course. You're beautiful. Stunning. Every bloke there will wish he was me.” Ginny blushed, amazed that he could still make her do that. She couldn't stop smiling, though. She could tell he was being utterly truthful and it made her love him all the more. “You are definitely getting that dress,” Harry promised. “But it's so expensive,” Ginny said, biting her lip anxiously. “I don't care. That dress was made for you.” Turning, he glanced around for the shopkeeper and, upon finding her, signaled her over. “Need some help, dears?” “She'll be taking that dress and will need some shoes to match.” “Excellent choice,” the woman said, beaming. To Ginny, she said, “It's perfect for you, child.” After removing the dress and finding a pair of shoes, it was Harry's turn. “Might I offer a suggestion?” the shopkeeper asked. At Harry's nod, she continued, “The dress is very Celtic in style. Perhaps you would like something similar in style?” “Um, sure. Okay,” Harry agreed with a shrug. Harry looked at and rejected many choices. Ginny finally found a set of clothes she thought would suit him. “How about this one, Harry?” Harry turned and looked at what she held up. The outfit consisted of a knee-length surcoat with a sash tied to the side around the waist, shirt and trousers. The surcoat was the same white with hint of green that Ginny's dress was. The short sleeves came just passed the shoulders and had thin emerald green edges. The neckline plunged to about mid-chest in a deep V. It also had a green edge but it was wider and a bit more elaborate with some celtic knots. At the waist, the surcoat separated slightly to give the appearance of a long coat. Elaborate emerald green edging was here as well, down to the bottom and around. The sash was the same green. The shirt underneath the surcoat matched the same green as the edging on the surcoat. It had a Mandarin collar. Harry wasn't sure about the shirt's narrow opening that accompanied the collar, seeing as it plunged nearly as deep as the surcoat's neckline. From the shoulders to mid-chest, in a square V shape, was more of the design, this time in the same white of the surcoat, covering a decent amount of the chest area. The sleeves were long and somewhat full at the top, tapering to a set of eyelets, on the inside of the arms, with cording which could be laced closed for a better fit around the wrists. The trousers laced at the waist and looked to have a slightly fitted look to them. They also matched the green shirt. “Try it on, Harry. Please?” Sighing, Harry took the set and headed for a dressing room. Once he had it all on, he had to admit, it looked pretty good. It was certainly different, which is what he'd wanted. Looking at the shirt in the mirror, he discovered it didn't show anything really. It barely even seemed open. The entire thing was amazingly comfortable. “Well?” came Ginny's inquiry. He stepped out and was pleased at her reaction. She looked as if she'd been stupefied. He watched her swallow, her eyes a little glazed. Slowly, she made her way to him. Leaning over she whispered in his ear. “There's so many things I could do to you right now.” Harry shivered at the tickle of her breath but more so at her words. “You like it, then?” he asked, voice a bit husky. “Absolutely.” Ginny motioned for the shopkeeper and signaled they had found what they were looking for. “Oh, my, how handsome you look,” she said. “I do believe that was made for you. Now, you're going to want some boots. I have several styles but there's one in particluar I think would do nicely.” She led them over to that section of the shop, Harry still in his dress clothes, and picked up a pair of boots. These were made of Welsh Green Dragon hide. The backs reached the top of the calf but the fronts rose to a point just below the knee. “These are charmed to fit so try them on and see how the entire ensemble looks.” Harry pulled them on, tucked his trouser legs into the boots and stood, uncertain. “Well?” “Perfect,” breathed Ginny. “He'll take those, too.” “Wonderful!” The pair paid for their purchases, arranging for everything to be sent up to Hogwarts, and headed out towards the main street of the village. Meeting up with the others at The Three Broomsticks, they enjoyed lunch and spending time with friends plotting ways to get back at Harry's dad. |
| Reviews 245 |
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